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Surfing.

Qovernor W. P. cQeber

M-ercado Qrande

MAY 1967

X7^ ,-^ot

W. P. Leber, Governor-President

H. R. Parfitt, Lieutenant Governor

Frank A. Baldwin

Panama Canal Information Officer

0,-let^ii

Official Panama Canal Publication

Published quarterly at Balboa Heights, C.ZPrinted at the Printing Plant, La Boca, C.Z.

Review articles may be reprinted in full or part withoutfurther clearance. Credit to the Review will be appreciated.

Distributed free of charge to all Panama Canal Employees.Subscriptions, $1 a year; airmail $2 a year; mail and back copies (regular mail), 25 cents each

Robert D. Kerb, Press Officer

Publications Editors

Morgan E. Goodwin and Tomas A. Cupas

Editorial Assistants

Eunice Richard, Tobi Bittel, Fannie P.

Hernandez, and Jose T. Tunon

cAbout Our CoverTHE PHOTOS on the cover depict scenes found in manynations of the world, almost any country that has a sea-

coast. These pictures, however, were taken on some of

Panama's finer beaches.

Surfing is a sport that captures the imagination of

participants, photographers and less ambitious, but fas-

cinated, observers. An illustrated article on page 18

focuses on the intricacies of this sport which has gained

considerable refinement since it was originated in the

South Pacific.

An extended article on the Canal Zone's new chief

executive, Governor W. P. Leber, begins on page 11.

Gov. Leber's assignment to the Canal Zone returned him

to some old friends, made when he served here previ-

ously as Lieutenant Governor. The article takes a close

look at the Governor and reflects many of his most

noteworthy impressions.

Some of the other features of this issue of the PanamaCanal Review are stories on Barro Colorado Island,

Panama's Mercado Grande, the Canal Zone training

programs that benefit individuals and the Republic of

Panama, and the first auto trip across the Isthmus.

3nd(

Russ Herrington eyes the wave ahead and waits patiently for the

correct moment when he can walk forward for a good nose ride.

exBarro Colorado Island 3

Mercado Grande 6

Benefits to Panama 8

Governor Leber 11

Canal Telephone System 14

Transisthmian Auto Trip 16

Surfing 18

Shipping Trends, Statistics 20

Anniversaries 22

Shipping Notes 23

Canal History 24

2 May 1967

Animal behaviorist Dr. Michael Robinson peers at a spider which has built its web on a circular wooden frame placed inside the cage.

Barro Colorado Island

Draws Eminent ScientistsA MERE mention of the Isthmus of

Panama suggests to many of the world's

leading scientists an inconspicuous,

3,600-acre island sitting in Lake Gatun.

Rarro Colorado Island, which someIsthmian residents are barely awareexists, is a biological reserve and re-

search station where scientists maystudy, observe and experiment in ideal

surroundings.

The island was formed in 1914 during

the Canal construction days when the

Chagres River was dammed and the

entrapped water became what is nowLake Gatun, the principal source of

water for the Canal. For the past 21

years, the Island, as the Canal ZoneRiological Area, has been operated bythe Smithsonian Institution.

It is part of the Smithsonian Tropical

Research Institute which includes also

two marine biological laboratories and

a small forested area, all in the Canal

Zone. Director of the Institute is Dr.

Martin H. Moynihan.More than 100 scientists visit the

island each year to carry on work that

keeps them there for periods ranging

from a few hours to several months.

Rich tropical foliage growing without

restriction, an outstanding selection of

wildlife, especially mammals, that can

be observed in their own habitat, plus

laboratory facilities, and simple but

wholesome living conditions are someof the characteristics making the pre-

serve so valuable to the trained scientist.

Once open to the general public,

Rarro Colorado Island officials now do

not encourage visits by non-scientists.

Years ago, when tourists were invited,

they were faced with one imposing

deterrent that still exists—a narrow and

steep stairway of more than 200 steps

leading from the boat dock up the hill-

side to the research station that over-

looks the Canal. The only elevator is a

small, makeshift affair for cargo.

RCI is strictly off limits to hunters

who have been known to covet game,

particularly the paca and tapir. Em-ployees of the Smithsonian Institution

patrol the 30-mile irregular shoreline in

cayucos to guard against poachers.

When apprehended, violators face pros-

ecution and stiff sentences.

The sweeping variety of animals

found on the island is attributed to the

hunting prohibition. Contrary to what(Seep. 4)

The Panama Canal Review

Wide Variety

Of Animals

Found on BCI

(Continued from p. 3)

some may tend to believe, the animals,birds and insects found loose are indig-enous to the area and did not flockthere in desperation when the watersof Lake Gatun rose.

Dr. Neal G. Smith, a staff zoologistwho spent 2 years on the island, believesthat in no other tropical region canscientists interested in animals find themso easily.

Creatures not native to the island aresometimes taken there in cages forobservation but are not released. Thosewhich are or have been indigenous tothe area are, at times, restocked.

The layman fortunate enough to makea brief visit finds many animals andinsects in cages, and hears their sounds,such as the ear-shattering call of thehowler monkey. But he does not seethem when strolling through the morethan 40 miles of trails-each namedafter a scientist and each markedevery 100 meters-which provide accessto various parts of the island.

The animal population includes morethan 250 species of birds, 65 species ofmammals, 22 lizards, 37 snakes, 5 tur-tles, 2 crocodiles, 15 toads, 16 frogs,

2 salamanders, and 22 fishes. Thesefigures do not take into account thespiders, insects, other arthropods, andmollusks common to the island.

Comprising the island staff are amanager, a full-time librarian, cook,cleaning woman, carpenter, mechanic,boatmen, woodsmen, and animal keep-ers. Two full-time staff scientists cur-rently working on the island are Dr.Michael Robinson, a British animalbehaviorist, and Dr. A. Stanley Rand,a herpetologist from the United States!

There are four interns, three fromthe United States and one from France,engaged in varied projects as part ofpre-doctoral degree work. The Smith-sonian Institution internship programallows selected budding scientists towork on the island, usually for 1 or2 years to prepare for their doctoral

Nicholas Smythe who is doing pre-doctoral work on the island, craddles a paca, also knownas a conejo pmtado, m Jus arms. The paca is a large rodent common to ?he IsnTmuT

3

indigenous to the island.

dissertations. A similar program hasbeen set up in cooperation with theOrganization of American States underwhich some Latin American studentsalready have participated.

Behavior of wasps, white-facedmonkeys and rodents and the digestivetrack of monkeys are a few of theinvestigative areas being probed by thecurrent group of interns.

The excellent facilities and workingconditions are highly valued by visitingscientists, some of whom bring theirwives and even children to the islandwhile they carry on their experiments.At present, there are three children, all

of pre-school age, living on BCI.

A fine air-conditioned library empha-sizing ecology, behavior, and systema-tics, has more than 5,000 volumes andreceives some 85 journals. Equipmentincludes photographic darkroom, type-writers, microscopes, canoes, binoculars,balances, flight cages in the forest, field

camping, and laboratory equipment.

Supplies of wood, wire, screen, glass-ware, preservative, photographic chem-icals, and certain other supplies areavailable.

Air conditioned laboratory space hassinks, benches, electrical outlets, andshelving while animal houses providecage and aquarium space.

The research station, usually crowdedduring the summer months but muchless so during the winter, can accom-modate approximately 20 research peo-ple at one time. Living quarters includea dormitory and three comfortable butunpretentious two-room cottages; mealsare served in a common dining room.

Living conditions are generallyhealthful, thanks partially to reliable

electricity, pure drinking water andother amenities usually not available to

the scientist working in the field. Ashortwave radio provides communica-

May 1967

Dr. Robinson observes tlie behavior of assorted animals in cages on Barro Colorado Island.

tion with the mainland and by speedy

launch residents of BCI are only 25

minutes from the townsite of Gamboa.

The islanders make weekly trips to

Panama City for purchases of cigaret-

tes, film and other items. This also pro-

vides opportunities for some relaxation

and a break in routine with a movie

or dinner in a downtown restaurant.

In addition to projects being carried

on bv individual scientists staying on

the island, there are continuing exper-

iments such as those of the Tropical

Research Branch of Eastman Kodakwhich is testing tropical effects on

paper, film, lenses, glues, and other

products.

Military people involved in jungle

survival training have been taken to the

island for intensive briefings and to

observe.

The island's emergence as a highly

regarded scientific installation cameslowly.

It began with Dr. Thomas Barbour

of the National Research Council whocame to the Isthmus in 1922 to find a

site for a zoological research laboratory.

He met entomologist James Zetek whowas to put vears of work developing

Barro Colorado Island.

Zetek knew the region well. He hadworked for the Panama Canal's Sanitary

Department, the Republic of Panama,

the Board of Health Laboratory and

the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Together, they decided that BCI was

the most suitable area for the research

laboratory. All hunting was banned

there in i923 when Gov. Jay J-Morrow

proclaimed the island a natural park.

The next year, the first buildings

were officially dedicated but distinguish-

ed men of science studied and observed

on the island long before adequate

facilities were built.

Financial problems plagued the Island

for years and it had to rely on gifts

from scientific institutions, universities,

philanthropists and other sources to meet

expenses. A ray of sunshine appeared

when in 1940 the U.S. Congress passed

a bill authorizing the setting aside of

an area within the Canal Zone to pre-

serve its natural features for scientific

studv. The bill also authorized

$10,000 a year to be given for the

project's support but the appropriation

was not made.

Several Government agencies pro-

vided funds to support highly confiden-

tial projects during World War II. Andin 1946, the Canal Zone Biological Area

became a Bureau of the Smithsonian

Institution, thus bolstering its shaky

economic foundation. Scientific groups

and universities still assist the island

financially and moderate fees, just suffi-

cient to cover board and lodging, are

charged scientists.

It's a long, steep walk up a narrow stairway

from the boat dock to the upper hillside and

the main part of the island. There is a

makeshift elevator but this serves only for

the luggage.

The Panama Canal Review

n\^m§^*<, ^J^£lj

A pile of fresh Panama pineapples, the fruit that delights everynewcomer, catches the eye of the shopper who seems to know howto make the best selection. To the left are papayas, enjoyed in many

tropical and semitropical countries.

yfiercado Qrande

3d Place Uo ShopWHEN AN ISTHMIAN housewife needs a particular ingre-

dient for that special meal and isn't sure if she can find it

in the quantity and quality desired, she usually goes to the

Mercado Grande.It is Panama's largest single food market, being composed

of several departments—fish, fowl, poultry, fresh tropical

fruits and vegetables— all under one roof. The location is

Calle 11 to 13 east, at Avenida Norte, near the Plaza de la

Loteria in Panama Citv.

The fish department outdraws all others in terms of

numbers of shoppers. Tables heaped with pink and whitePanamanian shrimp, filleted and whole fish, lobster, mol-lusks, squid and crabs freshly caught by local fishermen are

not easily passed up by customers.

Open every day except important holidays, the MercadoGrande is popular with both the average housewife and the

fastidious hostess recognized for her delectable cuisine.

Most shoppers get there before 8 a.m., assuring themselvesof the best selection of merchandise. The Mercado Grande is

valued by those in search of hard-to-find items but the prices

alone justify a visit.

Small and large stalls, bins, counters, and cubicles cluster

together in general categories. The atmosphere is friendly andrelaxed, never subdued.The market also boasts personalized service rarely found

in the coldly efficient supermarket or chain store. Goodnatured haggling is an accepted part of a day's shopping at

the Mercado, though some vendors never waiver from their

original prices.

Bananas and more bananas. Many species

of both the eating banana and the cookingtype (plaintain) abound in Panama. Andwhile they are sold at virtually every store

and roadside stand in the Republic, the

Mercado Grande offers an outstandingchoice of varieties, including the tiny,

luscious primitivos.

Chickens hang by hooks in the poultry section. The men behind the counters cut up thefowl and dispense other services usually associated with the corner butcher during the"good old days" rather than in this era of frozen foods and ultra efficient supermarkets.

6 May 1967

"I'll take it," the lady tells the fish vendor who holds up one of his fresh wares. On the counter there are piles of both uncleaned fish

and those cut into fillets and ready for the skillet.

* ^9Bp

This wise shopper includes a quantity of fresh shrimp on her shopping list knowing that it

can be used in a sweeping variety of dishes. First time visitors to the fish counter of the

Mercado Grande are often astounded at the size of the Panamanian white shrimp. Aboutsix of these make a pound.

"What else was it that I needed?" Ourshopper seems to be lost in thought as she

strolls past the counters.

The Panama Canal Review

Panamanians,

Canal Profit

By Training

MANY AREAS of activity in the Canal

Zone have produced an upward trend

in economic benefits to Panama.

More Panamanians are being brought

into employment and into training pro-

grams in the Canal organization. Theaverage wage has been rising steadily

for this group of employees, and <

tinues to rise. Aid in the form of loans

and direct grants has also brightened

the economic picture in the Republic.

and this program is continuing.

In July of 1964, there were 10,272 full

time non-U.S. citizens employed by the

Canal organization. By October, 1966,

this had increased to 10,758 and is con-

tinuing to grow. These figures do not

include the approximate!}' 6,000 U.S.

Armed Forces and U.S. agency contract

employees. The average annual salary

has increased $722 since 1963. Todayit is $3,238, or $1.56 per hour. Since

1961, the average hourly rate has in-

creased more than 60 percent. There

are non-U. S. citizen professional work-

ers who earn more than $ 10.000 an-

nually. The growing group of skilled

employees includes automotive machin-

ists, boatbuilders, cablesplicers, electri-

cians, welders and many other classfi-

cations. These workers averaged, as of

July, 1966, $3.02 per hour." Training

programs now in effect will put increas-

ing numbers of Panamanians into these

positions, and into professional levels.

An example of the rising averages is

in the employment of Panamanians by

the Canal Zone Police Division, which

has 40 Panamanians who average $5,977

annually. In the Schools Division. 121

Panamanian teachers average $6,293

annually. They are employed for 9

and 10 months, because of the school

vacation period.

Five percent of the professional

level positions were held by non-U. S.

citizens in June of 1959. By June of

1966 this had increased to 22 percent,

and the percentage is still growing.

There are seven programs designed

to further skills and experience of Pan-

amanians, and each one emphasizes

progressive achievement for the morethan 500 young people involved in

both full-time and part-time work. The

The Canal's Apprentice Program turns out journeymen craftsmen who have learned their

trade correctly and completely. Here, apprentice Calixto J. Fabrega makes an adjustmenton a piece of equipment at the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Shop at Balboa.

largest is the Latin American Student

Assistant Program. During summer va-

cation periods, some 250 youngsters

in secondary schools and universities

are employed. The program gives

them training and experience at a pre-

professional level.

The Apprentice Program is enjoying

mounting success. It is aimed at train-

ing young men in various crafts used

by the Canal, and several classes

have graduated. There are now 82Panamanians employed through the

program.

The Craft Learnership Program, with

36 Panamanians now employed, is de-

signed to prepare young men for workin the manual category, at a level

under the journeyman. This meets the

need for a pool of capable employeesfor apprentice consideration. The NonCraft Learner Program, with 49 em-ployees, offers training for various

positions.

There are now 61 non-U. S. employees

in the Office Service Intern Program.

The objective of this program is to pro-

duce well trained personnel skilled in

stenography and typing. There is a

shortage of qualified workers in this

area. In the Cooperative Education Pro-

gram, qualified university students are

employed, and thev are provided train-

ing with a view toward preparing themfor professional careers in administration

and technical areas. Currently, there are

27 students in this program. In another

program, there are 9 university students

in varying fields. Qualifications for this

program are different than those set upfor the Cooperative Education effort.

Panamanians employed by the Canal

enjoy a variety of "fringe" benefits. Em-ployment entitles the workers to partic-

ipate in life and health insurance pro-

grams endorsed by the Canal organiza-

tion. These programs are widely used

by Panamanians, who pay low pre-

miums through a group rate.

There is retirement, of course, wherethe employee and the U.S. Governmenteach contribute 6% percent of the em-ployee's basic salary to the Civil Service

retirement fund. There are several

types of retirement, and there is, in cer-

tain cases, a survivor annuity plan.

Under this. 55 percent of the annuity

that the employee had earned is paid

to the widow for widower 1 and de-

(See p. 10)

May 1967

They Learn By Doing

Serving as an efficient, cordial receptionist at Gorgas Hospitallaboratory is Lea Middleton, learning the job as an office service

intern.

Alertness is seen on the face of student trainee Mayra Calderon, whois studying business administration at the University of Santa MariaLa Antigua while serving in the Panama Canal Supply Division

under the Cooperative Education program.

Preparing to strike an arc at the Industrial Division in Mount Hopewhere he is employed under the Craft Leamership Program is

Luis H. Ramos.

Sizing photographs is one of the techniques learned by RamonAlmengor who works in the Panama Canal Information Office

under the Cooperative Education Program. Almengor majors in

English at the University of Panama.

The Panama Canal Review

Cmployee JSenefjitd cAre ^Alany,

(Continued from p. 8)

pendent children. Under ordinary retire-

ment, an employee who retires for age

can draw up to 80 percent of the basic

salary that he was paid during his

highest 5 consecutive years of service.

Other benefits include the 208 hours

(26 working days) of paid leave earned

by all non-U. S. employees each year

and 10 paid holidays. And all em-

ployees of the Canal organization are

eligible to use the facilities of Gorgas

and Coco Solo Hospitals.

Some $115 million annually reaches

the Panamanian economy through the

Panama Canal, Armed Forces, and other

U.S. agencies located in the Republic.

An example of direct economic

impact by the Armed Forces and the

Panama Canal are payrolls. The AimedForces annual payroll to non-U. S. cit-

izens amounts to more than $18 million

while the Panama Canal payroll, in-

cluding pensions and retirement, paid

to Panamanians is nearly $-i0 million.

Several areas of economic activity in

the Canal Zone contribute significantly

to Panama's economy. These include

direct purchases in Panama by U.S.

Government agencies of $14.4 million;

the purchase in Panama of goods by

private organizations operating in the

Zone, $9.2 million; contractors' pur-

chases in Panama of goods and services

for Canal Zone projects, $5 million; andthe total expenditures in the Republic

by Canal Zone residents, $21.4 million.

Panamanians play an important role

in the operation of the Canal and its

related activities. Many also are taking

advantage of the opportunities offered

by the Canal Zone training programs

to learn specialized skills. Panamanians

working and studying in the Canal Zone

are making significant contributions to

the economic development of their

own country and increasing Panama's

pool of highly trained technicians vital

to the continued economic growth of

Panama.

Under the watchful eye of machinist maintenance-instructor John A. Selstad, 4th year apprentice machinist Roland S. Joseph cuts a pinion

gear for an arbor on a milling machine at the Industrial Division's machine shop.

10 May 1967

Governor Leber's View:

Canal's Future Role VitalTHERE IS one common denominator

of the men who have governed the Canal

Zone: all have been career officers, with

a background in Army Engineering and

administration. The new governor brings

these qualities to his position, but his

point of view suggests a great deal

more—the inquiring mind of the scholar,

the open mind of the judge, the stu-

dent's ability to listen, and when the

facts are in, the executive's ability

to decide.

That's a tall order for a leader to fill.

But the adjectives people use to de-

scribe Gov. Walter P. Leber tell youthat he measures up to it. He is ener-

getic, but not boisterous. When he lis-

tens, whether in an interview or a con-

versation, he is not merely being polite—

you have his full attention. His answers

and comments reveal an honestv that

comes from thoroughgoing considera-

tion and careful judgement. A thought-

ful analyst, he is not noted for tossing

off pronouncements. When he doesspeak, people feel compelled to listen,

not because he is the governor, but

because they respect his knowledge andhave confidence in his ability.

Two years as Lieutenant Governor(1961-63), grounded Governor Leberin Canal operations. He views his

return in terms of its challenge and is

impressed by the changes since his de-

parture in 1963. "I noticed significant

progress when I visited David recently,"

he said. "That area has come a long

way in 4 years and the people there

have a real understanding of progress

and its benefits."

He also is struck by the construction

that mushrooms over the Republic. "Yousec it quickly in Panama City, wherean amazing growth has taken place in

the past 4 years.

"More people should see Panama; its

potential for tourism is very high. All

the ingredients are here—weather, fine

fishing, historical sights, facilities andeasy access. But I wish more peoplewould discover this meeea. As Panamaimproves its roads and other facilities,

an improved tourist picture will follow.

Of course, the Canal is an attraction,

and we have a role in supporting efforts

to attract more visitors.

"The flow of people is increasing, andthis is encouraging. T wish more would

come, particularly leaders from the

United States and elsewhere. Panamaand the ('anal are vital places, and the

situation here should be familiar to as

many leaders as possible. I have talked

to people who have an idea that Pan-ama is all an undeveloped jungle. Theseare intelligent people, but they havenever been here. We want them to come,

and learn, so that they can develop a

thorough and honest view of the area

and its problems."

An outdoor type tourist himself, the

Governor likes to get about, and while

he isn't the "desperate" type fisherman,

he enjoys immensely the blue waters,

sunshine and scenery of a fishing

trip to the Pearl Islands. He likes to

fish "when they are biting," but it's

(See p. 12)

Governor Leber shown with Mrs. Leber, their son, Philip Kevin, 11, and their pet boxer, Eric.

Daughter Bonnie Gay, 14, and Randy, 21, a business administration major at the University

of Ohio, were not on the Isthmus at the time this photo was taken.

The Panama Canal Review II

"More people should see Pan-

ama; its potential tor tourism

is very high. AH the ingre-

dients are here—weather, fine

fishing . . . facilities . .."

"A man wonders 'What about

my family? My job? What's

going to happen to me?' . . .

But I think some people are

overly apprehensive. . . . Weneed these fine people."

i

Governor Leber gestures

while making a point during

an interview. He discussed

some personal views, his

family and the Canal's future.

"I'm optimistic. I think the

United States and Panamawill come up with a satisfac-

tory agreement that will meet

the approval of most people."

Lebers Happy

To Be Back

(Continued from p. 11)

about half and half with him—half

relaxation and soaking up the view andhalf fishing. He also likes to play golf.

There isn't enough time, of course, whenyou hold a demanding job, but Gov-ernor Leber makes the most of his sparehours. "The job takes more than 8 hoursa day but I'm not complaining. Thismeans your job is interesting. And in

the Army, your job changes every fewyears and you have to spend time learn-

ing the ropes in a new situation." Andhe reads. "There is never time to do all

the reading you'd like. . .." Not inci-

dentally, a Governor who is also the

father of 3 children admits with somepride: "Three kids take up a lot of

time. As a result of all this, I run into

a few complaints at home—generally

along the line that I am not around as

much as I should be." But when he is

around, say on Sunday, he likes nothing

better than a trip to Gatun Lake "whichis another reason why I like it here.

Where else can vou go water skiing on

Sunday afternoon and be home in time

for dinner?"

The 15,000 people who operate the

Panama Canal also enjoy life here, andtheir problems and welfare are at the

top of Governor Leber's agenda. He is

aware of their preoccupation with im-

pending change, and his view of the

future is summed up in a word: opti-

mism. "I understand this overriding con-

cern, particularly when there are talks

in progress. A man wonders "Whatabout my family? My job? What's going

to happen to me?"He has a strong opinion on the mettle

of the Canal famil) : "These people have

done an outstanding job in operating

the Canal, keeping it modern, clean andefficient. The United States can be noth-

ing but proud of them, and I think other

countries, particularly maritime nations.

must also have a great respect for their

achievement."

"But I think some people are overlv

apprehensive: I don't believe the

changes are going to be drastic, or detri-

mental. And I don't forsee there will be

any great change in employee benefits,

such as wages and the fringe benefits.

We need these fine people; more andmore ships must be put through, andfor a long time. That isn't going to

12 May 1967

change and you need the talent to get

the job done."

Still, people speculate "What will

happen if my job is gone?" Governor

Leber replies, "I don't believe this will

happen, or that it's something to worry

about. The President and the Congress

will stand behind Americans, no matter

where they are. When the treaty comes,

some people will leave, regardless of

what is agreed upon. But I hope not.

If they go we'll have to recruit others,

train others, and this means time and

expense.

"I don't know what will come out of

the negotiations or when, but one of

my goals is to find out what people are

concerned about and discuss these issues

while the talks are in progress. For

example— retirement, or benefits. Howwould the emplovees like to see things

set up? There's no guarantee, but I

think the negotiators would appreciate

these ideas. These talks should be in

the open but at the same time, they

shouldn't interfere with the negotiations.

"I expect that some of the basic

concern centers about facilities and

services. I have no doubt that the wor-

ry over schools, or hospitals, is excessive.

1 am certain that a school system with

U.S. teachers will continue to provide

an education with a U.S. cultural base.

We have to provide these services be-

cause they are necessary to operate the

Canal. I really can't see any reason to

suppose that medical services would not

continue. You hear a lot about the law.

We have and will continue to operate

under the law here, and I am sure

provisions will be made for continuing

a good legal system.

"The scope of these negotiations is

very involved, very broad. It reaches

into the future as far as anyone can sec.

The sea level canal is an example. His-

toid tells us that prior to the present

Canal there were talks for some time.

My point is that we should not get too

impatient with this business. Talk and

debate must take place, and complexissues require time."

The Governor sums up, "I'm opti-

mistic. I think the United States andPanama will come up with a satisfactory

agreement that will meet the approval

of most people."

Recently arrived to join Governor

Leber are his favorite people—Mrs.Leber, and son Philip Kevin, 11. Daugh-

ter Bonnie Gay, 14, will finish her termin the ninth grade in a few weeks, andson Rand)' will finish his sophomore year

at the University of Ohio at the sametime. Randy, 21, is a business admin-istration major. Randy and Bonnie will

join the family here in June. The family

enjoyed the first tour here and is look-

ing forward to this one, the Governorsaid. Family friends also have arrived—

a

boxer dog and two Siamese cats. Mrs.

Leber, who likes birds and enjoys gar-

dening, will probably resume her in-

terest in birds with some type of small

aviary, and a good deal of her time will

be taken up in getting settled, he added.

For Governor Leber, the time aheadwill be challenging. He accepts that

challenge in much the same spirit he

has applied to his career in the Arm\"I have thought many times about mvyears in the Army, opportunities else-

where, and the meaning of what onedoes in life. After all, what is really

valuable? I think a man has found the

value and purpose in his life when he

can look back over the years and

feel that perhaps he has contributed

something worthwhile to others, and

to society."

At the Central American Fair in David, Governor Leber visits the Kodak pavilion where Humberto A. Young, Kodak's publicity director

in Panama, briefs the Governor. The fair at David was one of the many functions the Governor attended shortly after returning to the Isthmus.

The Panama Canal Review 13

PC Telephone

System Begun

By the French

CANAL ZONE history does not state

whether Col. George Washington Goe-

thals, builder of the Panama Canal andfirst Governor of the Canal Zone, ever

listened in on a teenager's telephone

conversation; or tried to contact some-

one bv telephone onlv to receive a

continuous busv signal.

There's no doubt, however, about

his order issued July 12, 1912: "Tele-

phone conversations will be limited to

5 minutes." In this same order, unlimit-

ed sen ice—telephone calls to anywherein the Canal Zone-was restricted to

heads of the four Isthmian Canal Com-mission divisions and their chief clerks,

who were also exempt from the 5-minute

time limit.

The Canal Zone's telephone history

dates from 1882 when the first conver-

sation, in French, crackled over the

newly installed lines. La CompagnieNouvelle du Canal de Panama, succes-

sor to La Compagnie Universelle duCanal Interoceanique, was proud of

the installation of this new invention,

and reported on the arrival of the ap-

paratus in an 1882 issue of a FrenchCanal publication.

The first models to arrive on the

Isthmus consisted of a walnut case

mounted on an adjustable stand to

make one of the earliest desk sets.

Shortly thereafter, the instrument wasencased in oak and was one of the first

side-winder models on which a crank

turned to signal the operator.

The Isthmian Canal Commissioninherited the Canal's telephone system

in 1904 when President TheodoreRoosevelt appointed Adm. John G.

Walker first chairman of the First Isth-

mian Commission for the construction

of the Panama Canal.

Onlv a few telephones were permit-

ted to be installed in residences whenthe building of the Canal began. Thevwere for the ICC chairman, the chief

of the Health Office, the superintendent

of the Panama Railroad and a few offi-

cials who were on call for emergencies.

Bv that time, there were probably

about 2 dozen telephones in the

Canal Zone and all were free. In 1909.

Mrs. Fay R. Stanford, a native of Harleton, Te«., formerly served as a long distance operator

with Southwestern Bell in Marshall, Tex. She has been with the Canal organization as anoperator since 1963.

however, Colonel Goethals permitted

the installation of residential telephones

at the expense of the applicant and a

residential rate of $2.50.

All telephone and telegraph facilities

of the ICC were turned over to the

Panama Railroad in 1909. The tele-

phone system was operated and main-

tained by the Electrical Division there-

after and in 1950 possession of these

facilities went to the Panama Canal

organization. It now forms the Com-munications Branch of the Electrical

Division.

Beginning in April 1914, applications

for installation of telephones had to be

made bv letter to the employee's depart-

ment head, who referred it to the gen-

eral manager of the railroad. The appli-

cant then was furnished an estimate of

the cost, which he had to pay in

addition to the $2.50 monthly rental.

Personal phone calls. Governor Goe-thals ordered also in 1914, were not to

be made during working hours. At this

time, Class A (residential) and Class B(official) telephones were established.

Class A cost $2.50 per month with a

25-cent additional toll charge for trunk

calls, and Class B cost $7.50 per monthfor unlimited service. Both classes were

restricted for 5-minute conversations

during working hours.

The Electrical Division took over the

cost of all official telephone installa-

tions, changes and removals in 1915.

No charges were made to subscribers

for installation of private phones unless

the cost was excessive, but residence

phone calls continued to be limited to

5 minutes during working hours.

A monthly rate of $3 was set for

residence phones in 1917 when all

residence phones were granted unlimit-

ed service privileges. The congestion

of trunk lines caused bv long distance

calls across the Isthmus became so

troublesome, however, that 3 monthslater all phone users were requested to

confine social calls between the hours

of 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to

1 p.m.

With the opening of the Canal, the

telephone system began to expand.

Telephones were provided to all ex-

ecutives, pilots and local personnel on

call, followed bv utility workers on call

for emergency service.

There was still an air of adventure

in the use of Canal Zone telephones in

1925 when the dial telephone system

was installed. This converted the Pan-

ama Canal system from a manuallv

operated system to the dial telephone

and to use of automatic telephone

exchanges.

Today's maze of wires, automatic

switches equipment and microwaveinstallations make almost instant service

possible. To call a number by meansof a dial, to have the telephone being

called continue to ring until answered,

to be notified instantlv if the line is

busv and to have a connection kept

throughout a conversation, are all taken

for granted.

Currently there are more than 10.200

official and residence telephone instru-

14 May 1967

ments in service in the Panama Canal

telephone system, excluding the Armed

Forces. The telephone system has 6

automatic telephone exchanges, the

2 major ones being in the Administra-

tion Building, Balboa Heights, and in

Building 1907 at Cristobal. Four

remote-controlled exchanges are locat-

ed at Gamboa, Gatun, Coco Solo and

Pedro Miguel. The Locks Division and

Pedro Miguel, Miraflores and Gatun

has its own telephone system, which

is linked to the regular Panama Canal

automatic system.

The Panama Canal telephone system

is manned bv 63 employees, including

18 information operators—4 are regular,

3 are relief operators and 2 are night

operators on each side of the Isthmus.

Panama Canal information operators

still provide the personal touch in manyareas that, elsewhere, have been taken

over bv automation. Dial 112 and a

pleasant voice gives the time of day; dial

114 and the same pleasant voice mayhelp find an elusive telephone numberor help establish a telephone contact;

110 emergencv calls to the Canal Zone

Police and 119 emergency calls to the

Fire Department are monitored until

the operator is certain the contact has

been made.Despite the fact that the Poison

Center telephone number is on Page 1

of the telephone book, the information

operators continue to receive despera-

tion calls on 114 from persons whohave found Johnnv eating some strange

berries, or Susie chomping on frothy

leaves.

The information operators have to

be mind readers sometimes, too. Onedav a frantic woman dialed informa-

tion and cried: "We need a vegetarian.

Quick!" She actuallv wanted to con-

tact a veterinarian and the correct con-

nection was swiftly made bv the alert

telephone operator.

Not all the calls for help come from

people needing the police, fire depart-

ment, poison center, or a doctor or

ambulance. Mrs. Lillian E. Ryan re-

members one call for help from a couple

who wanted to get married. The pro-

spective bridegroom had received his

overseas militarv assignment orders

sooner than he had expected and all

offices were closed for the dav. Mrs.

Ryan had never plaved Cupid before,

but she provided the right answers

and wedding bells soon rang.

Panama Canal telephone operators

have "the voice with a smile" and all

the espirit de corps and personality that

goes with it. Thev are the "unseen peo-

ple" in the organization and except for

coming to work and departing for

home, seldom leave their work area.

Peter W. Foster, left, leader Central Office repairman, and Frederick R. Walker, Central

Office repairman, shown with new communications equipment that has been installed in the

Administration Building. Foster, with 17 years Panama Canal service, is a graduate of the

Canal's apprentice program, worked in Cristobal and came to the Pacific side office 2 years

ago. Walker served his Canal apprenticeship in Cristobal and has been on the Pacific side

about 2 years also.

In the Administration Building in Bal-

boa Heights, unlike other employees

whose 1-hour lunch time permits a

leisurelv lunch in the building's cafe-

teria or at home, the information oper-

ators have only 20 minutes for lunch.

Every 2 hours they have a 5-minute

break. The operators on duty at the

Cristobal telephone exchange have the

same 20-minute lunch period and 5-

minute breaks. Few know the Canal

operators by name, but there's scarcely

a person in the Canal Zone or Pan-

ama City who hasn't had contact andreceived assistance from them.

Typical of the efficiency of these

operators is an incident which occurred

in 1962 when a Canal organization em-

ployee had placed an official telephone

call to New Orleans via Tropical Radio.

The call concerned the purchase of

some medicine and was urgent.

The caller asked that he be reached

at his residence upon completion of the

call because the hour was late. Arriv-

ing home, he found his telephone out

of order and used a neighbor's phone

to report it.

Before service was restored, his call

from New Orleans came through to

Balboa Heights exchange. The operators

on duty, Mrs. Mary W. Hall and Mrs.

Lillian T. Sieler, held the Tropical Ra-

dio operator on the line and determin-

ed the location of the telephone nearest

to the caller's home where the manmaking the call was reached.

A subscriber can call to anywhere in

the Canal Zone or to the cities of Pan-

ama or Colon without an extra charge,

regardless of the distance. This is an

advantage over telephone service in

the United States where you must pay

extra for calls outside an exchange area.

The Panama Canal Review 15

They Rode

The Rails

In An Auto

OLD TIME race car enthusiasts

may recall 1916 as the year the

Indianapolis "500" was a 300-mile

race won by Dario Resta, averaging

an astounding 84 miles per hour in

a Peugeot.

No one had yet heard of Juan

Fangio, Sterling Moss or Jim Clark

but it was a big year automotively.

It was the year a Panama Canal

motor car inspector became the first

man to drive across the Isthmus.

From the Pacific to the Atlantic bycar in just 1 day.

The great event was duly recorded

with a 3-page, illustrated article in

the August, 1916, issue of Motormagazine.

Samuel Grier, Jr., had for yearsaspired to be the first motorist to crossthe Isthmus, probably from the timehe arrived in Panama in 1906 from theUnited States where he had done con-siderable automotive machine work.Upon reaching the Isthmus, he wentto work as a machinist in the Gorgonashops and in 1912 became the motor-man of the "Yellow Peril," the official

inspection car of Chirf Engineer Col.

George W. Goethals, during Canalconstruction days.

Grier. accompanied by R. M. McKen-na and Grier's bull pup Marnique, hadto drive his 1912 Haynes on the bedof the Panama Railroad as far as hecould because there was no road span-ning the entire distance at the time.More than 23 jolting miles of the trip

was made on the track itself.

It was 6:25 a.m. when he dippedthe rear wheels of his car into thePacific; then he proceeded from Pan-ama Citv to the Canal Zone roads,passing through Ancon and Corozal.The first stop was at Pedro Miguel, ajunction point on the railroad. The mainline went to Colon and the branch line

to the west side of the Canal bv meansof a pontoon bridge, going to the com-

The "Go-Go" boys of 1916—Samuel Grier and his companion, R. M. McKenna, set outfor their ocean-to-ocean auto trip across the Isthmus. Here they are shown in Ancon at thebeginning of the feat which was accomplished by using the Panama Railroad bed for part

of the way.

munities of Culebra. Empire and LasCascadas.

From Pedro Miguel, Grier drove

along the east bank of the Canal on a

road which had recently been finished.

Near Paraiso, the road led up and over

Gold Hill, the highest hill on the Isth-

mus and from which they could look

across to Culebra on the other side of

the Canal. The road from Gold Hill

narrowed sharply so that for some3 miles it was almost impossible for

two cars to pass.

Approximately 2 miles before Gam-boa, Grier had to leave the road andmove to the railroad bed where he washanded the train order "Havnes Special

Number 6," which controlled him while

he was on the right-of-way.

From this point, it was a continuous

series of jouncing and bumping over

ties, tie plates, spikes, ballast bridges andswitches— all 23 miles to Gatun. Fromtime to time he had to leave the track

to make way for the Transcontinental

Limited.

16 May 1967

and mining and manufacturing would

record a gain of around 14 percent."

MITI forecasts that the biggest in-

creases will be found in imports of raw

materials and fuel. The growth of min-

ing and manufacturing and the growing

market for food and manufactured items

also would record an overall gain. Thedemand for consumer goods, spurred by

increasing prosperity, also will push upimports.

From increased imports of raw mate-

rials and fuels and manufactured goods,

it is anticipated that in the last half of

the current fiscal year as compared to

the first half, the increase would amountto 11.1 percent.

The increase in imports in the first

half of the current fiscal year will be

for food and lumber associated with

higher consumer consumption, for

greater housing construction, and for

increased industrial activity.

The MITI report said indications

were that foods, raw materials and fuel

and finished manufactures all were go-

ing to show an increase of more than 10

percent as compared to the correspond-

ing period of the preceding fiscal year.

Conspicuous is the anticipated increase

of 21.3 percent for raw materials

and fuel.

Imports of fuel are figured at $359

million and foods and beverages at

$369 million, up 69.3 and 18 percent

respectively.

Canal figures showed an increase of

11.5 percent in the amount of coal ship-

ments alone destined for Japan passing

through the Canal from the U.S. east

coast during the first 6 months of the

present fiscal year as compared to a

similar period in the previous fiscal year.

From this it would appear that the out-

look for Canal traffic is most promising

for the immediate future.

PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES SHIPPED THROUGH THE CANAL(All cargo figures in long tons)

Pacific to Atlantic

Commodity

Third quarter, fiscal year-

1967

Lumber —Ores, various

Iron and steel manufacturesSugarBananasRefrigerated food products

(excluding fresh fruit)

Metals, various _.._..

FishmealBarleyPetroleum and products (excluding asphalt)

PulpwoodCanned food productsNitrate of sodaPotashCoffee

All others

Total

1,331,3241,164,642713,690432,293364,031

341,895311,820310,136271,098268,076203,589200,181154,562150,135140,711

2,022,435

1966

8,380,618

1,251,2271,494,732608,126522,177339,127

293,646295,591399,164346,927271,919173,451184,637201,23172,658102,385

2,436,423

5-Yr. Avg.1961-65

1,061,0981,669,063253,747467,720293,481

264,520304,018

N.A.195,091410,399126,688222,514220,844

5,528100,400

2,216,278

8,993,421 7,811,389

Atlantic to Pacific

Third quarter, fiscal year-

Commodity

Petroleum and products (excluding asphalt).

Coal and cokePhosphateScrap metal- _

CorIron and steel manufactures-SoybeansOres, various

Chemicals, unclassified

SulphurCotton, rawRiceSugarPaper and paper products-MachineryAll others

TotaL

1967

ANNIVERSARIES(On the basis of total Federal Service)

MARINE BUREAUCaliman Bernard

Leader Linehandler (DeckhandBoatswain)

Eduardo L. MelbourneClerk Typis^

ENCIN TION

SidneTime and L

Hubert L.Clerk (Water Meters)

Harold L. DuncanOiler (Floating Plant)

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNORMan- F. Anderson

Secretary' (Stenography)

OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLERDanielOper

CharlesSupervisor

JohnAud

CESDIVISION

Harold L. AndersonOffice Services Manager

Egbert E. TurpinMail Clerk

MARINE BUREAUIra D. Paddyfoot

Leader CarpenterLeonard A. Barret

Helper Lock OperatorGranville Ottey

Linehandler (Deckhand)Allan A. Joseph

Linehandler (Deckhand)Stanley S. Anderson

File Clerk

Gordon L. C. AlleyneToolroom Attendant

Joseph U. HenlonPainter

TRANSPORTATION ANDBUREAU

Joseph CrosdaleMaintenanceman (Dock)

Ivanhoe Motfatt

GuardCandelario Espada

Liquid Fuels Valve MLucius C. Powell

Clerk

Sigbert RobertsHigh Lift Truck Operator

SUPPLY AND COMMUNITY SERVICEBUREAU

Clannis CheltenhamLaborer (Heavy)

Evelyn A. HindsLead Foreman Meat Cutter

Oscar S. Butler

ClerkLouis H. Schmidt, Jr.

Retail Store Department Manager (GasStation)

David S. BeckettRestaurant Manager

Atanacio RamosLaborer (Heavy)

Arthur HiltonL«ader Milk Plant Worker

Alfred W. AndersonWarehouseman

Joshua U. RobinsonSales Store Manager

Joseph N. AlleynePersonnel Clerk

Romulo Palacio

Laborer (Heavy)Edger Ogarra

Sales Store ClerkCayetano De Sedas

Garbage Collector

RING AND CONSTRUCTIONBUREAU

Operator

What's all the excitement? It's the pay car at Culebra January 12, 1908.

icia

ler

-linger

man, Refrigeration and Air

ng Mechanic.. Will

Construction Inspector (General)

Joseph AmantineLeader Seaman

Claude S. BrathwaiteHelper Electrician

James A. LeachHelper Machinist (Maintenance)

Alexander JamesOiler

Vincent E. TrotmanSeaman

F. C. WilloughbyForeman (Mechanical) Power Station

Hilton S. NurseSeaman

McCurdie RobinsonMotor Launch Operator

Victor N. BurrowsOiler

Carmen Batista

Electrician (Lineman)Melvin M. Julie

Supply Clerk

Byron E. BrooksAccounts Maintenance Clerk

Alejandro A. HuntJoiner

CIVIL AFFAIRS BUREAULarry J. Miller

Firefighter

Milton J. HalleyFinance Branch Superintendent

Leo M. BladesDetention Guard

William K. McCueFinance Branch Superintendent

James A. RodgersDressing Room Attendant

HEALTH BUREAUEarl S. Walrond

File ClerkHubert Edwin Yard

Industrial Hygienist

Ivy M. ThompsonNursing Assistant

Joseph P. ThomasMeat Cutter

22 May 1967

SHIPPINGAnniversary Medallion

CAPT. MAFFEO ZONCA, who recently-

made his last visit to the Panama Canal

this year as master of the Italian cruise

liner Federico C, has received a Panama

Canal Anniversary Book and a silver

50 year anniversary medallion from

Capt. E. B Rainier, Cristobal Port

Captain.

The farewell presentation was made

in the Captain's office aboard the ship

in the presence of Donald Francey,

representative of C. B. Fenton & Com-

pany, agents for the ship here.

Captain Zonca has made 4 visits

to Cristobal this year bringing to Pan-

ama more than 2,000 tourists. The ship

made 1 more visit to Cristobal early

in April. Next year the Federico C. is

expected to make 9 calls at Cristobal

as part of her West Indian cruise

program.

Captain Zonca is returning to the line's

home office in Genoa and is expected

to be transferred there to the commandof the Eugenio C, the new flagship of

the Linea Costa Fu Andrea which runs

between Europe and South American

ports. She may join the Federico C. in

Caribbean cruising next year.

Yacht Due on Freighter

THE 12-METER yacht Dame Pattie,

Australia's newest contender for the

America's Cup Race to be sailed off

Newport this September, is expected to

come through the Canal sometime in

June as a most distinguished passenger

from Australia to New York aboard a

cargo liner of the Columbus Line. Anarticle in a recent Shipping Digest

savs the vacht should arrive in NewYork at the end of June. After that the

Dame Pattie will be fitted out and start

tune up trials during July and August

off Newport. The first race of the Amer-

ica's Cud is scheduled to begin Septem-

ber 12. The America's Cup Challenger

Syndicate, a group of yachting enthu-

siasts and businessmen who are send-

ing Dame Pattie, nominated the Co-

lumbus Line to represent their contend-

er in New York. The line, represented

at the Canal bv C. Femie & Company,will work with the Australian consulate

and other government representatives

as well as the yachting press in NewYork and Australia.

PANAMA CANAL TRAFFICSTATISTICS FOR THIRD QUARTER

FISCAL YEAR 1967

TRANSITS (Oceangoing Vessels)

1967 1966

Commercial 1,079 1,060

U.S. Government 77 50

Total 1,156 1,110

TOLLS"Commercial $6,833,708

U.S. Government- 491,960

$6,048,482257,000

Total $7,325,668

CARGO00

Commercial 7,909,287

U.S. Government- 521,522

$6,305,482

7,192,934176,811

Total 8,430,809 7,369',745

• Includes tolls on all vessels, oceangoing and

small.00 Cargo figures are in long tons.

Japanese Floating Fair

A JAPANESE floating trade fair aboard

the 12,611 ton liner Sakura Maru is

scheduled to visit the Panama Canal in

July following a cruise including calls

at Montreal, Houston, New York, and

New Orleans. The ship, after leaving

the Canal, will go to Los Angeles, San

Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and Van-

couver, the last port of call before she

returns to Tokyo.

United States Popular Liner

THE SUPERLINER United States,

largest passsenger liner in the United

States merchant marine and the fastest

in the world, carried a total of 52,109

passengers eastbound and westbound

on the North Atlantic service in 1966—

more than any other single vessel oper-

ating on the route, according to a note

in a recent issue of the Shipping Digest.

The 52,000 ton ship also carried 4,044

passengers on West Indies cruises for

a combined total of 56,153 persons. The

United States, which has made several

visits to Cristobal, made 40 Atlantic

crossings and 4 West Indian cruises

in 1966. In 1967 she will make 38

Atlantic crossings and 5 cruises.

Another Non-Customer

THE WORLD'S largest ship the

210,000 deadweight tanker Idemitsu

Maru was delivered in December 1966

to her owner the Idemitsu Tanker Com-pany, Ltd., a subsidiary of Idemitsu

Kosan KK. With a length of 1,122 feet

and a molded breadth of 163 feet, the

ship will join the growing fleet of bulk

carriers and tankers too big to transit

the Panama Canal.

According to an item in the Maritime

Reporter, the Idemitsu Maru is the first

vessel in the world to pass the 200,000

dwt mark Her 122-foot bridge equals

the height of an 11 story building and

her molded depth is 76 feet but she is

one of the most economical and efficient

tankers afloat. On her maiden voyage

in mid-December, the ship, whose crew

numbers only 32, carried a full load of

crude oil from Kuwait for Idemitsu

Kosan's refinery at Tokuyama, Japan.

1100

JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN

MONTHS

The Panama Canal Review 23

CANAL HISTORY50 yearJ o4go

THE U.S.-FLAG steamship Minnesota,

which made the transit of the CanalFebruary 27, 1917, was the largest ship

to have used the Canal to that date.

The Minnesota also was the largest ship

under the U.S. flag at that time. Hercubic capacity was 1,191,000 cubic feet

and her deadweight capacity 22,500tons. Her operators said she had great-

er cargo capacity than any other ship

in the world. Prior to the passage of

the Minnesota, the record for size of

ships using the Canal was held by the

Finland and Kroonland, each with a

length of 560 feet and beam of 60 feet

2 inches.

A second group of ward buildings of

the new Ancon (now Gorgas) Hospital

was finished in April 1917 and werethrown open to public inspection. Agroup of hospital employees conductedvisitors through the new buildings ex-

plaining the various conveniences andgiving them an opportunity to see the

advanced sanitary construction.

According to the Panama Canal Rec-ord, the buildings, erected on the north-

east slope of Ancon Hill within the

grounds of the old hospital, were ar-

ranged to make the most of the" viewover the city of Panama and across the

hills to the north and the Bay of Pan-ama. Two other groups of buildings,

each to accommodate 190 beds, and a

separate building for contagious dis-

eases, were still to be built. The Admit-ting Office and the Board of HealthLaboratory were practically completed.

The Panama Canal Record of April

25 prints the declaration of war bv the

United States against the Imperial

German Government.

25 yiearJ c4goWORLD WAR II was beginning to

play a larger part in the day-to-day

lives of the people who lived in the

Canal Zone 25 years ago.

Instructions were issued to civilian

and military personnel on how to recov-

er barrage balloons which had escapedfrom their moorings around vital instal-

lations. In the Canal Zone 431 air-raid

shelters had been completed or wereunder construction. Strict regulations

governing the taking of photographsand possession of cameras in or aboutthe Canal Zone were issued. Some 250local students began turning out the

scale model planes to be used in aircraft

recognition training.

The razing of a number of buildings

at Gatun and Pedro Miguel was started

by the Panama Canal. Tests had shownthat buildings burning on or above the

level of the locks would light up the

locks and possibly aid in accurate bomb-ing. "Light fences" 26 feet high werebuilt along the locks.

As an indirect result of war conditions,

the Panama Railroad announced that

the color of its passenger coaches was

A cool dip in the Balboa pool was just as welcomed in 1922 as it is today.

to be changed from the oldtime maroonto a new Pullman green. The maroonpaint had been made with a cadmiumbase which, became expensive anddifficult to obtain because of the war.

10 yearJ c4aoTHE ANSWER to the Panama Canal'smost pressing problem—how to fit moreand larger ships in the Panama Canalwithout making changes that wouldcost billions of dollars—was being sought10 years ago by a special committeeknown officially as the Ad Hoc Commit-tee headed by former Gov. William E.Potter. Its members included two direc-

tors of the Panama Canal, Maj. Gen.Julian L. Schley, a former Governor of

the Canal Zone, and Ralph A. Tudor,well-known consulting engineer fromSan Francisco.

The committee developed a programaimed at eliminating delays to theCanal's continually increasing traffic andto consider improvements needed dur-ing the next decade to provide efficient

and safe transits. The movements of

commodities which make up 7.5 percentof the cargo passing through the Canalwere studied for their past, presentand expected performance. Officers of

more than two dozen shipping com-panies, banks, industries and foreign

trade associations were questioned to

obtain this information and their reports

correlated with past Canal movements.

Group health insurance for Canalemployees became an accomplished fact

10 years ago when more than 50 percentof the Canal force was enrolled in a

group plan underwritten by Mutual of

Omaha and administered by an em-ployee Group Health Insurance Board.

Both U.S. -citizen and non-U.S. -citizen

employee groups met the 50 percentgoal. The Health Insurance plan wasthe first such available to employees as

a whole.

One year c4aoTHE SUCTION dredge Mindi was putto work last March in the narrow con-fines of Gaillard Cut to dredge a 50-yearaccumulation of silt. It was part of a

long-range program of sweeping the

entire Cut bottom using the Mindi andother dredging equipment. The work of

dredging in this area was made feasible

by modification of the Mindi pump to

provide a higher discharge pressure,

and by the progress in widening of the

Cut, which permits the big dredge to

remain in position without interfering

with ship traffic.

24 May 1967

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

3 1262 07150 0291

UT»NAMERIC\